Hever Castle has announced its RHS courses for 2021.
Hever Castle has partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society to host a series of year long courses from September for those looking to get into gardening.
If you’ve got a passion for plants and want to take your hobby to the next level, RHS courses are the perfect way to hone and grow your horticultural expertise.
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF PLANT GROWTH, PROPAGATION & DEVELOPMENT (1 YEAR – 14 CREDITS)
This qualification provides knowledge of the scientific principles which underpin horticultural practices.
The RHS course consists of four units which cover the following topics:
• Plant classification, structure and function
• Plant nutrition and the properties and management of soils and growing media
• Maintaining plant health through understanding pest, disease and weed lifecycles
• Principles and practices of plant propagation in horticulture
Tuition Fee: £550 includes free access to Hever Castle gardens for the duration of the course.
The course is taught 4 hours a week (Mondays 10am to 2pm) over 28 weeks with one visit and examination dates in February and June.
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF GARDEN PLANNING, ESTABLISHMENT & MAINTENANCE
This RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance qualification can be taken on its own or with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development to gain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (total 28 credits, which equates to 280 learning hours). Alternatively, both of these can be taken with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (15 credits) to gain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles & Practices of Horticulture (total 43 credits, equates to 430 learning hours).
This RHS course provides a firm foundation of knowledge to anyone interested in horticulture as well as providing a route to employment in professional horticulture and supporting career development for those already working in the profession.
The RHS course consists of four units which cover the following topics:
• Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning
• Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns
• Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit
• Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
This is a one-year course. The course is taught 4 hours a week over 28 weeks a year, with one visit and two further examination dates, which are set by the RHS in February and June.
Tuition Fee: £550 to include exam fee and an annual membership to Hever Castle & Gardens for the duration of the course.
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN PRACTICAL HORTICULTURE (1 YEAR – 15 CREDITS)
This RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture qualification can be taken on its own or with the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance (14 credits), and the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development (14 credits) to gain the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture (total 43 credits, which equates to 430 learning hours).
A practical-based qualification to develop the essential skills needed to work in horticulture or to further develop your interest. The qualification consists of 6 mandatory units and 1 optional unit. Credits for a unit will be awarded to a candidate once the candidate has reached the level of competency for all the specified tasks. Each unit will be assessed by means of a range of practical activities timetabled and assessed within the approved centre. They will cover all learning outcomes specified in the unit.
Six Mandatory units:
• Soil testing (1 credit)
• Sowing seeds and vegetative propagation techniques (2 credits)
• Practical skills in ground preparation for seeding and planting (2 credits)
• Practical skills in establishing seeds and plants in soil (2 credits)
• Care and pruning of plants (3 credits)
• Identification of a range of common garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms (3 credits)
Optional units:
• Sustainable garden practice (2 credits)
• Safe operation of powered garden machinery (2 credits)
• Establishing, repairing and maintaining a lawn (2 credits)
• Practical skills in vegetable growing (2 credits)
• Practical skills in the maintenance of established soft fruit (2 credits)
• Practical skills in the maintenance of established top fruit (2 credits)
This is a one-year course. The course is taught 5 hours a week over 29 weeks with one visit and four assessment days.
Courses take place on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from September until June, starting 20, 21 & 23 September 2021 from 10am – 3pm.
Tuition Fee: £675 to include annual membership for Hever Castle & Gardens for the duration of the course.
For more information about RHS courses visit hever.co.uk/whats-on
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
